United States – With more than 85 million tonnes of scrap consumed in furnaces last year, the US steel recycling rate achieved an all-time high of 92%, it has been reported by the Steel Recycling Institute (SRI), a unit of the American Iron and Steel Institute.
The figures for 2011 show an increase of nearly 10 million tonnes compared to 2010. This includes a record recycling rate for the packaging sector of 70.8%, representing more than 1.5 million tonnes of steel recycled. Meanwhile, the vehicle recycling rate came in at 94.5%; appliance recycling rates remained solid at 90% representing over 2.9 million tonnes of steel recycled; and the recycling rate for construction plates and beam was unchanged at 98%, with rebar recording a rate of 70%.
‘This high level of scrap consumption is a reflection of the North American steel industry’s commitment to conserving energy and natural resources,’ SRI’s Executive Director Gregory L. Crawford observes. ‘The use of steel in every-day products, including packaging, appliances, automotive and construction, ensures quality while also supporting product stewardship, knowing that these products are routinely recycled at the end of their use.’
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